hylan G-F 20, Synvisc

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

GENERIC NAME: hylan G-F 20

BRAND NAME: Synvisc, Synvisc-One

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Hylan G-F 20 is an injectable fluid that is
used to treat
osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis
in which the joints of the body degenerate and become painful and stiff.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis; almost 10 million Americans
suffer from osteoarthritis. Most affected persons are over 45 years of age, and
women are more often affected than men. Joints contain a fluid, called synovial
fluid, which acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. Patients with
osteoarthritis have synovial fluid that is thinner than normal, and, therefore,
it is less effective as a lubricant and shock-absorber. Hylan G-F 20 is an
elastic fluid that is made from a substance called hyaluronan, that is found in
normal joint fluid. Hyaluronan is the key substance in joint fluid that provides
the shock-absorbing quality to the fluid, and it is essential for the proper
functioning of joints. When injected into the knee of a patient with
osteoarthritis, hylan G-F 20 helps to restore the shock-absorbing effect of the
fluid within the knee. This can reduce pain, resulting in a more active
lifestyle.

GENERIC: No

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Injection: 16 mg/2 ml, 48 mg/6 ml

STORAGE: hyland G-F 20 should be stored at room temperature, below 86
F (30 C). Any unused solution should be thrown out. It should not be frozen.